About this episode
Scott Seidenberg, Steve Fezzik and Mackenzie Rivers talk NBA Free Agency moves. Plus, the guys discuss the recent news in the poker world at the WSOP. Fezzik gives out a NFL best bet and also talk bonus betting. 📚 Summary [0:00–4:05] Promotional Segment Scott, Fezzik, and Mackenzie promote Pregame.com’s extended holiday access for betting picks. Scott mentions Fezzik is on a “60-25” baseball run and others like Andre Gomes (+56 units) and Greg Shaker (+24 units) are also hot. [4:11–8:56] WSOP Controversy Setup Scott describes the chip-dumping scandal at the Millionaire Maker event. Jesse Yaganuma overcame a 9-1 chip deficit and allegedly colluded to split winnings and receive a $1M Club WPT bonus. WSOP withheld the bracelet and equalized payouts. [8:56–13:00] Fezzik’s Outrage Fezzik strongly disagrees with Doug Polk's “move on” stance, insisting viewers were defrauded and comparing it to rigged sports matches. He emphasizes that even “victimless” match-fixing violates the sanctity of competition. [13:00–19:35] Precedent and Ethics Fezzik offers analogies—golf players conceding PGA spots, Survivor contest deals, hot dog eating contests—to illustrate long-term harm. Mackenzie contends poker is about personal gain, not entertainment, framing it more like mercenary behavior. [19:35–27:49] Poker Chop Equity Breakdown Fezzik explains equity math: Chip leader had about $200K more value, while golden ticket added $100K to opponent’s equity—making a chop mathematically near even. Still, he’s upset at the alleged collusion. [27:50–32:47] Broader Ethical Analogies Scott proposes hypotheticals: Would Fezzik accept collusive behavior in sports betting contests like SuperContest or Circa? Fezzik distinguishes between ethical but rule-compliant and explicit cheating like the WSOP incident. [32:48–33:17] Soft Tournament Fields Fezzik explains why he didn’t enter Super Seniors event despite being hot in baseball—he critiques women’s and seniors’ poker fields as “weak,” drawing criticism but defending based on participation and stamina. [33:17–36:00] MLB Streaks and Bets Marlins’ 8-game dog streak would’ve paid ~$139,739 on $100 rollover. Discussion includes the failed best bet on Astros (-1.5) losing 6–5 due to late home run, with probability math breakdowns. [36:00–39:34] Fan Ban and Bartman Talk Diamondbacks banned a fan for repeated interference. Bartman’s Cubs incident resurfaces. Fezzik and Mackenzie discuss fandom’s extremes and media portrayals. [40:01–58:06] NBA Free Agency and Futures Lillard’s unusual release structure and LeBron’s uncertain future discussed in-depth. Mackenzie argues no trade fits make LeBron likely to stay. Knicks and Cavs scenarios are explored, but deemed impractical. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices